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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 1988 - 0015RESOLUTION NO.88-15 APPROVING NEGATIVE DECLARATION RE INTERIM BIOGAS POWER GENERATION FACILITY AT TREATMENT PLANT NO.2,PROJECT TP-1 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS NOS.1,2,3, 5,6,7,11,-13 AND 14 OF ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA,APPROVING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION RE INTERIM BIOGAS POWER GENERATION FACILITY AT TREATMENT PLANT NO.2,PROJECT TP-1, PROVIDING FOR NOTICE THEREOF AND DIRECTING FILING OF A NOTICE OF DETERMINATION The Boards of Directors of County Sanitation Districts Nos.1,2,3,5,6, 7,11,13 and 14 of Orange County,California, DO HEREBY RESOLVE,DETERMINE AND ORDER: Section 1 That the project for which this determination is made is the O’Brien Energy Systems’Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility,a 1.2 megawatt digester—gas fueled generating station owned and operated by O’Brien Energy Systems to be located at Treatment Plant No.2 in Huntington Beach,California. The County Sanitation Districts of Orange County are the “Lead Agency”as defined by CEQA;and, Section 2 That an Initial Study and Environmental Impact Assessment, which said assessment is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”,of the environmental effects of said project have been undertaken and completed by the Districts,and the results thereof have been reviewed by these Boards;and, Section 3 Based on the findings of the Initial Study,these Boards determine that the proposed project could have an effect on •the environment,but there will not be a significant effect because of the mitigation measures described within the Negative Declaration which is attached hereto;and, Section 4 That said Negative Declaration has been circulated for public review for a period from December 29,1987 to January 20,1988,during which time the following coments were received on the document: A.Costa Mesa Sanitary District dated January 11,1988 (No concerns) B.Mr.Charles Gumpel dated January 18,1988 (Concerns relative to noise and emissions) C.City of Irvine dated January 26,1988 (No coments) D.City of Garden Grove dated January 27,1988 (No convuents) Section 5 That these Boards hereby note all cormients received on the Negative Declaration for the Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility at Treatment Plant No.2,Project TP—1;and, Section 6 That,for reasons set forth in said Exhibit “A”and in accordance with the migitation measures incorporated in Exhibit “B”and by this Resolution,it is hereby found that said project will not have a significant effect on the environment and,therefore,the Boards hereby approve the Negative Declaration regarding the environmental impacts of said project;and, Section 7 That the Secretary be,and is hereby,authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this resolution,the aforesaid Initial Study and Environmental Impact Assessment and the Negative Declaration at the Districts’ office to be available for public inspection and copying;and, Section 8 That the Secretary be,and is hereby,authorized and directed to file a Notice of Determination in accordance with the Guidelines Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970,as amended. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting held February 10,1988. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Name of Project:Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility at Orange County Sanitation Districts’Treatment Plant No.2 in Huntington Beach,California Location:22212 Brookhurst Street Huntington Beach,California Entity or Person Undertaking Project: A.District _____________________________________________ B.Other O’Brien Energy Systems Staff Determination: The Districts’staff,having undertaken and completed an Initial Study of this project in accordance with Section 15063 of the Amendments to the California Environmental Quality Act,for the purpose of ascertaining whether the proposed project might have significant effect on the environment,has reached the following conclusion: X 1.The project will not have a significant long term effect on the environment because of the mitigation measures incorporated;therefore,a Negative.Declaration can be prepared. 2.The project could have a significant effect on the environment;therefore,an EIR will be required. Date homas M.Oawes Director of Engineering EXHIBIT “A”TO RESOLUTION NO.88-15 COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS of ORANGE COUNTY.CALIFORNIA 10844 EWS AVENUE P.O.BOX 8127 FOUNTAIN VALLEY.CALIFORNIA 92728-8127 -(714)962-2411 INITIAL STUDY AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION RE: INTERIM BIOGAS POWER GENERATION FACILITY AT TREATMENT PLANT NO.2 PROJECT TP-1 JANUARY 1988 PREPARED FOR: O’BRIEN ENERGY SYSTEMS LEAD AGENCY: COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS OF ORANGE COUNTY Post Office Box 8127 Fountain Valley,CA 92728-8127 (714)962—2411 Contact Person:Thomas M.Dawes PREPARED BY: COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS OF ORANGE COUNTY EXHIBIT “B”TO RESOLUTION NO.88-15 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and Project Description Page 1 Technical Data Page 2 Environmental Analysis Page 3 Findings Page 4 Public Notice Page 5 Initial Study Page 6 Environmental Impact Assessment Page 16 Li INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION The County Sanitation Districts of O~’ange County will act as Lead Agency for the installation of an Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility at Treatment Plant No.2 in Huntington Beach.As a byproduct of wastewater treatment,the Districts generate digester gas which is an excellent fuel source high in com bustible methane gas.A portion of the two million cubic feet per day of gas is used to fuel twenty—five existing large Internal combustion engines and the por tion which is surplus is flared (burned to the atmosphere)and the energy value is lost.Because the digester gas is a valuable resource,as part of the overall plan to reduce energy purchases,the Districts have investigated ways to utilize the gas on an interim basis until larger,permanent central power generation facilities are placed into service in 1990—1991 to use all the available gas.At that time the interim facilities will be removed from the site.One system investigated was the O’Brien Energy System,Interim Biogas Power Generation. O’Brien plans to install a 1.2 megawatt generation station,at no cost to the Sanitation Districts,at the Huntington Beach plant.The station would utilize high—speed (about 1200 rpm)internal combustion spark—ignited engines to drive generators.The engines and generators are housed in portable,modular sheds which look like a large truck trailer.Two modular units will be used, requiring a 10,000 square—foot site.Power would be produced at the 12 KV level and fed directly to the Districts’existing electrical distribution system. O’Brien proposes to sell the power to the Districts at 75%of the avoided cost of purchasing the electricity from Edison,a 25%savings to the Districts. The generating units are guaranteed to be.“residential°quiet.There is no capital investment required by the Districts and,in fact,utilization of the gas now being wasted would save additional planned capital expenses for lar.ger flares. The Districts’Boards of Directors,on November 12,1986 received and filed the Initial Study and Environmental Impact Assessment for the Interim Biogas Power Generation System.The Initial Study and Environmental Impact Assessment for the project were completed and it was determined that a Mitigated Negative Declaration could be prepared to comply with provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act.The Initial •Study was circulated;however,after further review,the project was put on hold until O’Brien could obtain a permit from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). O’Brien has now obtain a Permit to Construct from SCAQMD.However,the project, at 1.2 megawatts,is smaller than the original project (up to 4 megawatts). —1— TECHNICAL DATA O’Brien Energy Systems will install and operate a nominal 1200 KW system which is designed to operate on approximately 400 cubic feet per minute of waste digester gas produced by the Orange County Sanitation Districts’digesters. The system consists of two generating units. Caterpillar with a 650 kilowatt-rated O’Brien closed loop radiator type lubricating oil and jacket water and engine exhaust are connected Each generating unit is packaged in an.insulator,noise suppression container which contains the engine/si,generator,lube oil and aftercooler heat exchanger rads and associated piping,battery charger,lube oil makeup system,local stop start controls and associated wiring,switches,sending units,governors,etc. These units are interconnected with a separate switchgear container which incor porates the circuit breakers for each generator output as well as all unit and system control and monitoring equipment. Plant air supply is furnished by two Quincy Model 310 air compressors. Each unit is driven by a G399 generator.The engines have aftercooler cooling systems. to remote radiators. The -2~- ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSES An Initial Study has been included herein as Appendix A.As can be seen from the evaluation,there are three areas of potential environmental impacts as follows: Air Emissions The facility will meet all applicable air quality regula tions.The project’s proponents,O’Brien Energy Systems,will be required to obtain a “Permit to Construct”and a “Permit to Operate”from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMO).In the event the company is unable to obtain said permits,the facility will not be installed. Since it is proposed at no cost to the Districts,there will be no expenditure of public funds. The facility will incorporate Best Available Control Technology.Emission levels are below emission offset thresholds for all the criteria pollutants;therefore,no offsets are required.Emission modeling and health risk assessment has been performed (to demonstrate that air quality standards will not be violated),and submitted to the SCAQMD. Noise The facility is “residential”quiet.The noise generating sources will be mitigated to prevent adverse effects on the environment.The Orange County Noise Standards will be met.As mitigation,each engine—generator set will include an individual noise attenuation container and engine exhaust silencing equipment. Use of Fuel Energy The facility will be fueled by digester gas,a byproduct of anaerobic digestion in sewage treatment,which is currently being flared to the atmosphere.Since the facility will be generating power from a product currently being wasted to the atmosphere and will sell that power to the Districts at 75%of the avoided cost of electricity’ purchased from Southern California Edison,the net impact on the environment will be positive through the utilization of a wasted resource and the resultant need to purchase less power from Edison. —3— FINDINGS The areas of air emissions,noise and fuel usage are being adequately mitigated and the project will not~have a significant long term effect on the environment. -4- COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICTS of ORANGE COUNTY,CALIFORNIA December 29,1987 IO844ELUSAVENUE p.o.aox 8127 -FOUNTAIN VALLEY.CALIFORNIA 92728-8127 (714)962.2411 PUBLIC NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED: SUBJECT:Notice of Preparation of Negative Declaration re Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility at Treatment Plant No.2 (Project TP—1) The County Sanitation Districts Nos.1,2,3,5,6 7,11,13 and 14 of Orange County,California have determined to prepare a Negative Declaration for an Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility at Treatment Plant No.2 located in Huntington Beach,California (Project TP—1). As required under Sections 15070 and 15073 of the State Guidelines Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970,as amended,this °Notice of Preparation”declares that the County Sanitation Districts of Orange County, having reviewed an Initial Study of the project and having found that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment,have prepared, and the Boards of Directors will consider the adoption of a Negative Declaration for subject project on February 10,1988,at 7:30 p.m.,in the Districts’administrative offices at 10844 Ellis Avenue,Fountain Valley, California. If you have any questions,please contact the undersigned at the above address and telephone number.If you wish to coninent,please respond by January 20, 1988. Is!Thomas M.Dawes Thomas M.Dawes Director of Engineering —5— COuNTY SANITATION OISTRIC of ORANGE COUNTY.CALIFORNIA 10844 ELLIS AVENUE P.O.BOX 9127 FOUNTAIN VALLEY.CALIFORNIA 92728-8 (714)9624411 INITIAL STUDY - (To Be Completed by Lead Agency) I.Background A.Name of Proponent O’Brien Energy Systems B.Address and Phone Number of Proponent _________________________________ 517 North Mountain Avenue,Suite 128 Upland,California 91786 Telephone:714/946—56.11 C.Contact Person Richard Ontiveros D.Title and Location of Project Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility;Orange County Sanitation Districts Treatment Plant No.2 22212 Brookhurst Street Huntington Beach,CA 92646 E.Description of Project 1200 kilowatt electric generation facility to utilize digester gas as fuel in internal combustion recipro cating engines driving electrical generators.The electricity generated will be used at the Orange County Sanitation Districts’ Plant at a rate discounted from utility company rates.(See attached.) —6— II.Guidelines A.Does the proposed activity qualify as a project as defined in Section 28. Yes X No _____ (If activity does not qualify as project,do not complete remainder of form). B.Does the project qualify as: 1.Ministerial (Section 6)Yes ____ No X 2.Emergency (Section 13)Yes ____ No X 3.A feasibility or planning study (Section 33)Yes ____ No X 4.Categorically exempt pursuant to Article 8 of the State Guidelines (Section 40)Yes ____ No x 5.Involves another agency which constitutes the lead agency (Section 36)Yes ____ No x If yes,identify lead agency: (If yes has been checked for any of the above,an Environmental Impact Assessment/Environmental Impact Report or Negative Declaration need not be prepared). III.Environmental Impacts (Explanations of all uyesh and ~maybe”answers are required on attached sheet~ Yes Maybe No A.Earth.Will the proposal result in: 1.Unstable earth conditions or in changes. in geologic substructures? . ________ X 2.Disruptions,displacements,compaction or overcovering of the soil? . X 3.Change in topography or ground surface relief features? ____ x 4.The destruction,covering or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? ________ X 5.Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils,either on or off the site? ________ X -7— Yes Maybe No 6.Changes in desposition or erosion of beach sands or changes in silation,deposition or erosion which may modify the channel of a river or stream or the bed of the ocean or any bay,inlet or lake? 7.Exposure of people or property to geological hazards such as earthquakes,landslides, mudslides,ground failure or similar - hazard? ________ X B.Air.Will the proposal~result in: 1.Substantial air emissions or deterioration of ambient air quality? ________ X 2.The creation of objectionable odors? ________ X 3.Alteration of air movement,moisture or temperature or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? ________ x C.Water..Will the proposal result in: I.Change in currents or the course of direction of water movements in either marine or fresh water? ________ X 2.Changes in absorption rates,drainage patterns or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ____ X 3.Alterations to the course of flow of flood waters? ________ X 4.Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? ________ X 5.Discharge into surface waters or in any alteration of surface water quality, including,but not limited to,temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? ________ X 6.Alteration of the direction or rate o.f flow of ground waters? ________ X 7.Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals,or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? __________ X —8— Yes Maybe No 8.Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for public water supplies? ________ X 9.Exposure of people or property to related hazards such as flooding or tidal waves? ________ X D.Plant Life.Will proposal result in: 1.Change in the diversity of species or numbers of any species of plants (including trees,shrubs,grass,crops and aquatic plants)? ________ x 2.Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? ________ X 3.Introduction of new species of plants into an area or in a barrier to the normal replenishment of existing species? ________ X 4.Reduction in acreage of any agriculture crop? ________ X E.Animal Life.Will proposal result in: 1.Change in the diversity of species or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals including reptiles,fish and shellfish,benthic organisms or insects? __________ X 2.Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? ________ X 3.Introduction of new species of animals into an area or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? ________ X 4.Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat?X F.Noise.Will the proposal result in: 1.Increase in existing noise levels? ________ X 2.Exposure of people to severe noise levels? ________ X G.Light and Glare.Will the proposal produce light or glare? ________ X —9— Yes Maybe No H.Land Use.Will the proposal result in a substantial alteration of the present or planned land use of an area? ________ X I..Natural Resources.Wfll the proposal result in: 1.Increase in the rate of use of any natural resources? ________ X 2.Substantial depletion of any nonrenewable natural resource? ________ X J.Risk of Upset.Will the proposal involve: 1.A risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including,but not limited to,oil,pesticides,chemicals or radiation)in the event of an accident or upset conditions? ________ X 2.Possible interference with an emergency response plan or an emergency evacuation plan? ________ X K.Population.Will the proposal alter the location,distribution,density or growth rate of the human population of an area? ____ X L.Housing.Will the proposal affect existing housing or create a demand for additional housing. ________ X M.Transportation/Circulation.Will the proposal result in: 1.Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement? ________ S X 2.Effects on existing parking facilities or demand for new parking? ________ X 3.Substantial impact upon existing transportation systems? ________ X 4.Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? __________ X 5.Alterations to waterborne,rail or air S traffic? ________ X —10— Yes Maybe No 6.Increase .in traffic hazards to motor vehicles,bicyclists or ~pedestrians? ________ X N.Public Services.Will the proposal have an effect upon or result in a need for new or altered governmental services in any of the following areas: 1.Fire protection? ________ X 2.Police protection? ________ X 3.Schools? ________ X 4.Parks or other recreational facilities? ________ X 5.Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? ________ X 0.Energy.Will the proposal result in: 1.Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy? _____ 2.Substantial increase in demand upon existing sources of energy or require the development of new sources of energy? ________ X P.Utilities.Will the proposal result in a need for new systems or substantial alterations to the following utilities: 1.Power or natural.gas? ________ X 2..Communications systems? ________ X 3.Water? ________ X 4.Sewer or septic tanks? ________ X 5.Storm water drainage? ________ X 6.Solids waste and disposal? ________ X Q.Human Health.Will the proposal result in: 1.Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health?) ________ X —11— Yes Maybe No 2.Exposure of people to potential health hazards? ________ x R.Aesthetics.Will the proposal result in the obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public or will the proposal result in the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to the public view? ________ x S..Recreation.Will the proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities? ________ X 1.Cultural Resources. 1.Will the proposal result in the alteration of or the destruction of a prehistoric or historic archeaological site? ________ X 2.Will the proposal result in adverse physical or aesthetic effects to a prehistoric or historic building, structure or object? ________ X 3.Does the proposal have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? ________ X 4.Will the proposal restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area? ________ X U.Mandatory Findings of Significance. 1.Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species,cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self—sustaining levels,threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?.X —12— Yes Maybe No 2.Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term,to the disadvantage of long—term,environmental goals?(A short- term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief,definitive period of time,while long—term impacts will endure well into the future). ________ X 3.Does the project have impacts which are individually limited but cumulative considerable?(A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small,but where the-effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant). ________ x 4.Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ________ X IV.Discussion of Environmental Evaluation See attached sheet.(S~:~UiIBIT “C”) V.Discussion of Zoning Compatibility Installation will be located at an existing sewage treatment plant. VI.Determination On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project.A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED.XXX I find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. Date:A~”c /t~)/~‘2 COUNT~~-1~TATION D ICTS OF ORAN$’E O~4TY Th~s M.D~es~ -13—Director ~f Engineering EXPLANATION OF “YES”ANSWERS ON INITIAL STUDY for Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility O’Brien Energy Systems 4 Item III.0.1.Use of Fuel Energy The facility will be fueled by digester gas (a byproduct of the anaerobic digestion at the wastewater treatment plant).As such,this is a “Qualifying Facility”as regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978,as amended. E~(HIBIT “A”to Initial Study —14— CEQA Review for Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility O’Brien Energy Systems DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT O’Brien Energy Systems will install and operate a nominal 1200 kilowatt power generating facility,designed to operate on approximately 400 scfm of 60% methane digester gas (600 scfm is the minimum gas quantity available from the Orange County Sanitation Districts’Treatment Plant No.2). The facility will include two engine—generation units.Each unit will consist of a Caterpillar Model G399 internal combustion engine,and a 650 kilowatt generator.All of the engines have closed loop,remote radiator cooling systems for engine jacket water,lubricating oil cplling,and turbo—charge aftercooler. Digester gas will be supplied to the facility at 35 psig (the pressure needed for supply to the engines).Fuel filters will be installed.Each engine—generator unit is packaged in a container;including engine(s), generator,lube oil cooler,aftercooler,associated piping,controls and miscellaneous accessories.The system and individual unit switchgear and electrical protection system is in a separate container. The facility will operate 24 hours per day,seven days per week,52 weeks per year,except for necessary maintenance. EXHIBIT “B”to Initial Study —15— ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Name of Project:Interim Biogas Power Generation Facility at Orange County Sanitation Districts’Treatment Plant No.2 in Huntington Beach,California Location:22212 Brookhurst Street Huntington Beach,California Entity or Person Undertaking Project: A.District ______________________________________________ B.Other —Energy Systems Staff Determination: The Districts’staff,having undertaken and completed an Initial Study of this project in accordance with Section 15063 of the Amendments to the California Environmental Quality Act,for the purpose of ascertaining whether the proposed project might have significant effect on the environment,has reached the following conclusion: X 1.The project will not have a significant long term effect on the environment because of the mitigation measures incorporated;therefore,a Negative Declaration can be prepared. _____ 2.The project could have a significant effect on the environment;therefore,an EIR will be required. ________ • S____________ Date homas M.Dawes Director of Engineering EcHIBIT “C”to Initial Study —16— STATE OF CALIFORNIA) )SS. COUNTY OF ORANGE ) I,RITA J.BROWN,Secretary of the Boards of Directors of County Sanitation Districts Nos.1,2,3,5,6,7,11,13 and 14 of Orange County, California,do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No.88-15 was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of said Boards on the 10th day of February,1988,by the following vote,to wit: AYES:Margaret M.Arnold,Ben Bay,Roland E.Bigonger,A.B.“Buck” Catlin,John C.Cox,Jr.,Norman E.Culver,Richard B.Edgar, Don R.Griffin,Dan Griset,Robert Hanson,Evelyn Hart,Ronald B.Hoesterey,Ursula E.Kennedy,William D.Mahoney,Philip Maurer,Tom Mays,Darryl G.Miller,J.Todd Murphy,James Neal, Arthur G.Newton,Bob Perry,Richard T.Polis,Don R.Roth,Sal Sapien,J.R.“Bob”Siefen,Wayne SilzeI,Don E.Smith,Roger R.Stanton,Charles E.Sylvia,James A.Wahner,Grace Winchell, Edna Wilson NOES:None ABSENT:Gene A.Leyton,Sally Anne Miller,Carrey J.Nelson,John H. Sutton IN WITNESS WHEREOF,I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of County Sanitation District No.1 on behalf of itself and Districts Nos.2,3,5,6,7,11,13 and 14 of Orange County,California,this 10th day of February,1988. Rita J.Brown,ecretary Boards of Directors,County Sanitation Districts Nos.1,2,3,5, 6,7,11,13 and 14 of Orange County, California